Championing Clinical Excellence
For nearly a decade, Education Resources, Inc. has had the privilege of partnering with one of physical therapy’s most visionary thinkers: Mary Massery, PT, DPT, DSc. Widely recognized as a trailblazer, Mary has spent her career challenging the status quo and transforming how therapists understand the role of breathing in movement, function, and health.
Early in her career, Mary noticed that the cardiopulmonary system was often viewed as a purely “medical” issue—something separate from traditional physical therapy practice. She set out to change that perception, and in doing so, reshaped the field.
A Model That Changed the Conversation
Mary’s groundbreaking Soda Pop Can Model of Postural Control offers a dynamic, multisystem framework that links breathing mechanics to motor control and physiologic behavior. Her work integrates everything from vocal fold function to core stability, extending the concept of “the core” from the top of the trunk to the pelvic floor.
Her courses are known for blending evidence with humor, clarity, and truly practical tools—giving clinicians quick, effective strategies that can be used immediately with patients of all ages and diagnoses.
An Internationally Recognized Leader
Since partnering with ERI in 2017, Mary has become one of the most in-demand instructors on our roster. She has delivered over 1,000 professional presentations, spanning all 50 U.S. states and 18 countries, including more than 100 sessions for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Her contributions have earned her some of the profession’s highest honors, including the APTA’s Florence Kendall Practice Award, recognizing “outstanding and enduring contributions to the practice of physical therapy.” Mary has also been named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by each of her three universities and received the prestigious Alumnae Research Achievement Award from Northwestern University.
Despite her global influence, Mary continues to treat patients in her Chicago private practice, specializing in breathing and postural dysfunction.
Celebrate With Us
Join Dr. Massery at this year’s Birth to Three Conference, where she will deliver the keynote session for PTs, OTs, and SLPs: Breathing, Talking, and Postural Control—a fascinating look at the interplay of airway, communication, and movement in early development.
Go Deeper Into Mary’s Work
Want an in-depth exploration of her model and clinical applications?
Her 2026 ERI course lineup offers several opportunities for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to learn directly from this renowned educator.
Mary Massery’s LINKED: Breathing & Postural Control Part 1
March 13-14 LIVE WEBINAR
May 1-2 LIVE WEBINAR
October 2-3 LIVE WEBINAR
December 4-5 LIVE WEBINAR
Mary Massery’s LINKED: Breathing & Postural Control Part 2
March 28-29 IN-PERSON Chicago, IL
April 25-26 IN-PERSON Winter Park, FL
NEW! When Reflux Comes Up, EVERYTHING Is Affected
April 7 LIVE WEBINAR